About Us

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Welcome to First Wave 44.

First Wave 44 began in the mid 1990's, with so many of us being interested in WW2 US Military History it seemed mutually beneficial for us to join together as a group. 


Since then we have and still do attend many Military Shows with our static display of US Military items, which continues to grow year by year!
Our core living history is based on US 146th Engineer Combat Battallion or 29th Infantry Division, both of which were stationed in the West Country prior to the Normandy landings.


We are collectors and historians with a number of US WW2 vehicles which can be displayed at events upon request. 

Our group has helped with many return visits by the US 29th Division Associations, Veterens and family looking for their old billets and training grounds, as well as the pubs! 

We also helped General Cota's grandson Thomas Morris to visit Dartmoor and Lt Col Robert Ploger, Commander of the 121st Engineer Combat Battalion visit his company's billets.

Some of our filming involvement has included the BBC's Coast TV programme at Trebah, Falmouth as well as us taking part in the making of a DVD film at the Assault Training Centre at Woolacombe, re-enacting GI's undergoing training.

The group has been helping Richard Bass at the ATC for many years with the man power needed in the research projects, carrying out field digs, walk and talks etc...

At the ATC 55th anniversary, we displayed our US equipment next to the ATC memorial overlooking the long sandy beach, and have also taken part in wreath laying ceremonies at Trebah, Slapton Sands, Braunton Burrows, Woolacombe and Bude.

In 2013 we were invited to carry out a beach obstacle demolition demonstration for the ATC 70th Anniversary, bringing to life the sight and smell of American troops training for D Day.......

Members of First Wave 44:-

Mark Ford
My passion is talking to members of the public regarding weaponry and the history that the American Forces played in Devon.